Honest first-hand reviews of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives: overwater villas, private islands and wellness escapes.

Staying at COMO Maalifushi over Christmas felt like a different kind of Maldives: sunset overwater villas, quiet water, and COMO Shambhala wellness.

If Six Senses Kanuhura had one word, it would be elemental. Three private islands in the Lhaviyani Atoll, and barefoot from the moment you land.

Back from Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, and it was like no other Maldives stay: a vast Baa Atoll island, marine research, and villas on the water.

"Goodbye, Reality! Hello, Maldives!" Four Seasons Kuda Huraa: beach and water villas, a surf break at the door, and the Indian Ocean everywhere you look.

Ayada Maldives sits on its own reef in the far southern Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll: villas over the water, real house-reef snorkelling, and proper seclusion.